Prestonsburg, Ky.– In July Ronald and Loretta Wright pleaded guilty to charges in the 2013 murder of Famer Halbert with Ronald pleading guilty to murder, wanton endangerment and assault and Loretta pleading guilty to facilitation of murder. The pair was scheduled to be sentenced in late October, but as Ronald Wright appeared before Judge Thomas Smith he requested his attorney, Jerry Patton be relieved of his duties and that he be allowed to rescind his guilty plea.

In court today Ronald Wright and his new attorney argued that he was coerced into an admission of guilt, stating that his former attorney Jerry Patton told him that his wife would get a lesser punishment if he pleaded guilty.

The commonwealth requested that since he had already admitted to his guilt in court and signed a plea agreement that the original recommendation be honored.

Judge Thomas Smith did so and sentenced Ronald Wright to 25-years in prison.

Famer Halbert’s wife Lorraine says she and the family finally have a little peace.

“It eases our minds, knowing that he is going to be gone to prison and we’ll never have to face him again and the kids will never have to be scared of him or Loretta and I’ll never have to be scared of them. I’ll never forgive them…I know I have to before I can go to heaven, but maybe on my dying bed then I’ll forgive them. It’s hard, knowing what they have done. The Lord will get them for what they have done. They’re going to have to face him on their judgment day.”

Ronald Wright must serve 85% of his 25-year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

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